The House of Representatives has passed a constitutional amendment bill aimed at creating state police formations across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to reform its security architecture.
The legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026,” was passed on Thursday during deliberations by the Committee of the Whole.
Lawmakers gave the proposal overwhelming support after the report of the House Committee on Constitution Review was presented by the Deputy Speaker and committee chairman, Benjamin Kalu.
A manual vote conducted on the floor of the House showed strong backing for the bill, with 289 members voting in favour. One lawmaker abstained, while none opposed the measure.
If eventually enacted, the amendment will introduce a two-tier policing structure consisting of the Federal Police and State Police. Proponents say the move is intended to strengthen security responses by allowing greater local participation in policing and addressing persistent security threats more effectively.
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The proposal seeks to amend Section 214 of the Constitution to formally recognise both policing institutions. While the National Assembly would retain authority to determine the organisation, administration and powers of the Federal Police, it would also establish minimum operational requirements for state police services.
According to the bill, a state police service can only begin operations after the relevant State House of Assembly enacts a law establishing it and confirms compliance with nationally prescribed standards.
The amendment further provides that the Federal Police will continue carrying out policing duties within any state until its state police service becomes fully functional.
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To prevent misuse of state policing powers, the bill outlines specific conditions under which federal authorities may intervene. Such intervention would be limited to situations involving a breakdown of law and order, a formal request from a state governor, or circumstances where a state police service becomes ineffective due to financial, administrative or operational difficulties.
The proposal also introduces changes to police leadership appointments. Under the new framework, the Inspector-General of Police would be appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Nigeria Police Council and confirmed by the National Assembly.
Likewise, governors would appoint State Commissioners of Police from among serving state police officers on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council, subject to approval by their respective State Houses of Assembly.
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Governors would be empowered to issue lawful directives to State Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and order. However, where a commissioner believes such directives violate the law or established policing standards, the issue may be referred to the Nigeria Police Council for a final determination.
The bill also proposes amendments to Section 84 of the Constitution by replacing references to the National Police Council and the Federal Police Service Commission with the Nigeria Police Council and the Police Service Commission.
Thursday’s approval represents a major development in Nigeria’s constitutional review process and rekindles the long-running national conversation over whether state policing offers a viable solution to the country’s security challenges.
Before the proposal can become law, it must still receive Senate approval, secure the backing of at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly, and obtain presidential assent.
Should the amendment eventually be enacted, Nigeria would adopt a multi-layered policing system designed to improve responses to crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other security threats through enhanced local involvement in law enforcement.
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